I realized recently that I miss reading.
Oh, don't misunderstand! I still read. I read blogs. I read children's books. And I read emails. But I rarely read a book just for me. I've decided that must change.
So, I signed up to review books for Thomas Nelson. If you have a blog you can do this, too. Just fill out their form. They'll review your blog and email you. Then you pick out the book you want from their list. I'm currently reading my first book which I hope to review soon.
As excited as I am to review books for Thomas Nelson Publishing, I think most of what I request from them will probably be children's books. Which doesn't really solve the lack of reading books that interest me.
So, I'm participating in Simple Mom's Book Club. Click on the button below or in the sidebar to visit her post describing the Club and the books she's chosen. I've previously read one of the books but the rest are new to me and not necessarily what I would normally choose to read. I think this is a good thing.
Another way I hope to increase my grown up reading is by participating in the Classics Book Club at 5 Minutes for Books. Each month you read the chosen classic and then post a review on the first Tuesday of the month. Participants will be posting about Hamlet on January 6.
No way could I have read Hamlet this month but I do plan to read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou for February. I've already requested it from the library. Wish me luck!
Last, but certainly not least, I will be participating in the L.M. Montgomery Reading Challenge hosted by Carrie at Reading to Know. In case you don't recognize the name I'll give you a hint. Ann-with-an-E. Now do you recognize the author?
I have read all the Anne books and watched all the movies. I'm looking forward to the day I can introduce Ellie to that imaginative red head. For this Challenge I'm planning to read a non-Anne book that Montgomery wrote.
Does that sound like a lot of reading to you? It sure does to me! If I'm not around here much for January it's because I'm busy reading one of these books:
* For The Tough Times: Reaching Toward Heaven for Hope by Max Lucado (for Thomas Nelson);
* Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin (for SimpleMom);
* I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (for 5MFB);
* The Doctor's Sweetheart and Other Stories by L.M. Montgomery (for Reading to Know).
Do you have a hard time reading books for yourself? Are you participating in a book club in 2009? Do you have a to-read book list? If so, tell us about it!
12 comments:
Look out! Beware! Two years ago, I said those same words you just wrote. I missed reading books for ME, so when Katrina at Callapidder Days had her first fall challenge, I jumped in, and NOW look at me!!
What a fantastic post!!! The 6 books in 12 months looks great...and doable. And of course I love the Classics Bookclub. It's like what you said that they kind of force me to read books I wouldn't normally read, although I did wave the white flag on Hamlet a couple of days ago. And we'll see what happens with LMM because online my library is sorely lacking.
That all sounds AWESOME! I'm participating in the Classics Bookclub in March when we read Les Mis. I think I'm going to devote some reading time in February to make sure I can accomplish that task. And, of course, I'm reading some Montgomery stuff. =)
Have fun -- for you!
Oh! I totally forgot to include that I found one of the Montgomery books online!!! So if you can't make it to the library you can read from home. You'll find it here- http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/montgomery/kilmeny/kilmeny.html
I'm doing the LM Montgomery challenge and can't wait! Also, am going to try and do the Simple Mom book club - my library doesn't have the first book so I may have to skip that one, but I'm excited about the choices she picked.
I'm not sure what else I'm going to be doing as far as reading challenges ... I have several non-fiction books that I need/want to start so I may challenge myself on those! :)
I was reading 3 or 4 books a month earlier in the year but had to stop...I get completely involved when I read and can't focus on anything else. I read a lot of the Karen Kingsbury books and all the Dee Henderson books that our small library has. I also read several books by Francine Rivers including "Redeeming Love". I'll have to check into the Tommy Nelson one I love his books and movies!
You'll notice as the year goes by that I rarely read fiction. It's because I get too absorbed and can't put it down. The only fiction I'm reading right now is because of Carnivals that I want to be involved in.
If you can't find Your Money or Your Life, you might consider reading another book about personal finance. Anything by Larry Burkett or found on the Crown Financial Ministries website is good. January is always a good time to re-evaluate finances.
I love, love to read! ANd yes, I do read a lot of fiction...proably about a book a month. I go in waves...sometimes I read more than others.
And that is why my blog suffers...I am reading! ;)
Great post! After taking two on-line classes I realized that in spite of a hectic schedule and having my hands full with 3 precious little ones I can make time to read. It's challenging but totally do-able, and it makes me a better mommy in the long run. So, I just found out that our library does have the older version of the simple mom's book club's first selection. I've requested it and although it's not something I would normally really gravitate to I think I may take the plunge- YIKES! Thanks for the ideas and happy reading!
I know what you mean about rediscovering reading. I think 2008 was a year of rediscovery for me, mainly because I converted my miscellaneous, scatter-shot blog into a devoted book blog.
Oh, and I started reviewing for Thomas Nelson, too. : )
I love LM Montgomery (which is actually how I came to your blog--through the challenge). I think you'll enjoy reading the non-Anne books.
Love the new hair cut!!!
I'm so excited! I actually hadn't read this post - my sweet hubby read it today and told me about it. He signed up for the Thomas Nelson book reviews, and after he told me about it I did too! We are in a financial situation right now that prohibits book purchases, and we have a PITIFUL library. So, this will be such a blessing! Thanks for sharing!
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